NCERT Textbook: Spectacular Wonders | English Poorvi Class 8 - New NCERT PDF Download

 Page 1


SPECTACULAR WONDERS
Let us do these activities before we read.
	 I	 Look at the pictures given below and sort them into natural and
man-made wonders.
1.
5.
2.
6.
3.
7.
4.
8.
  Natural: ______
,
______
,
______
,
 and ______
  Man-made: ______
,
______
,
______
,
 and ______
II Which of these wonders—man-made or natural—are more appealing 
and why? Share your answers with your classmates and teacher.
III Work in pairs. Write down two wonders of nature that have amazed 
you. Discuss what makes them impressive. Share your answers with
your classmates and teacher.
	 IV	 Work in groups of four. Complete the web chart given below with words
that you associate with the phrase, ‘Nature’s Power’. Share your answers
with your classmates and teacher.
Nature’s Power
Unit 3.indd   137 13-05-2025   12:58:38
Page 2


SPECTACULAR WONDERS
Let us do these activities before we read.
	 I	 Look at the pictures given below and sort them into natural and
man-made wonders.
1.
5.
2.
6.
3.
7.
4.
8.
  Natural: ______
,
______
,
______
,
 and ______
  Man-made: ______
,
______
,
______
,
 and ______
II Which of these wonders—man-made or natural—are more appealing 
and why? Share your answers with your classmates and teacher.
III Work in pairs. Write down two wonders of nature that have amazed 
you. Discuss what makes them impressive. Share your answers with
your classmates and teacher.
	 IV	 Work in groups of four. Complete the web chart given below with words
that you associate with the phrase, ‘Nature’s Power’. Share your answers
with your classmates and teacher.
Nature’s Power
Unit 3.indd   137 13-05-2025   12:58:38
Poorvi
138
Let us read
India is home to some of the most mystifying natural 
phenomena that surprise and spark our imagination. 
1. THE VALLEY OF FLOWERS, UTTARAKHAND
The Valley of Flowers is an eye-
catching spectacle with around 
600 species of exotic flowers,
including orchids, poppies, 
primulas, marigold, daisies, and 
anemones. It is a place where 
nature blooms in its full glory
offering an attractive view.
The trek to the valley offers spectacular views of beautiful
waterfalls and wild streams. The valley is also home to rare
wildlife species like the grey langur, flying squirrel, red fox,
lime butterfly, and snow leopard, to name a few.
With a stunning backdrop of the mighty Himalayan ranges,
the Valley of Flowers National Park presents an unforgettable
experience for visitors. Spread over a huge area in the Chamoli
district, the Valley of Flowers National Park is a UNESCO World
Heritage Site. Between the months of May and October, this
area turns into a botanical wonderland!
2. THE LIVING ROOT BRIDGES, MEGHALAYA
Imagine building a bridge 
without the use of cement, 
stones, concrete, etc. Is it 
possible? The living root
bridges are incredible feats 
of engineering built by
the indigenous people of 
Meghalaya. The living root
bridges are one of Meghalaya’s most beautiful tangible 
UNESCO world heritage sites.
Crossing the many waterways without bridges was difficult
for people in the past, during monsoons.
mystifying:
strange or 
impossible to 
explain
spectacle: an 
unusual sight 
that attracts 
interest
exotic:
uncommon
botanical:
relating to 
plants
feats: tasks 
difficult to
achieve, 
especially those
involving a lot 
of skill
indigenous:
native
tangible:
noticeable
Unit 3.indd   138 13-05-2025   12:58:40
Page 3


SPECTACULAR WONDERS
Let us do these activities before we read.
	 I	 Look at the pictures given below and sort them into natural and
man-made wonders.
1.
5.
2.
6.
3.
7.
4.
8.
  Natural: ______
,
______
,
______
,
 and ______
  Man-made: ______
,
______
,
______
,
 and ______
II Which of these wonders—man-made or natural—are more appealing 
and why? Share your answers with your classmates and teacher.
III Work in pairs. Write down two wonders of nature that have amazed 
you. Discuss what makes them impressive. Share your answers with
your classmates and teacher.
	 IV	 Work in groups of four. Complete the web chart given below with words
that you associate with the phrase, ‘Nature’s Power’. Share your answers
with your classmates and teacher.
Nature’s Power
Unit 3.indd   137 13-05-2025   12:58:38
Poorvi
138
Let us read
India is home to some of the most mystifying natural 
phenomena that surprise and spark our imagination. 
1. THE VALLEY OF FLOWERS, UTTARAKHAND
The Valley of Flowers is an eye-
catching spectacle with around 
600 species of exotic flowers,
including orchids, poppies, 
primulas, marigold, daisies, and 
anemones. It is a place where 
nature blooms in its full glory
offering an attractive view.
The trek to the valley offers spectacular views of beautiful
waterfalls and wild streams. The valley is also home to rare
wildlife species like the grey langur, flying squirrel, red fox,
lime butterfly, and snow leopard, to name a few.
With a stunning backdrop of the mighty Himalayan ranges,
the Valley of Flowers National Park presents an unforgettable
experience for visitors. Spread over a huge area in the Chamoli
district, the Valley of Flowers National Park is a UNESCO World
Heritage Site. Between the months of May and October, this
area turns into a botanical wonderland!
2. THE LIVING ROOT BRIDGES, MEGHALAYA
Imagine building a bridge 
without the use of cement, 
stones, concrete, etc. Is it 
possible? The living root
bridges are incredible feats 
of engineering built by
the indigenous people of 
Meghalaya. The living root
bridges are one of Meghalaya’s most beautiful tangible 
UNESCO world heritage sites.
Crossing the many waterways without bridges was difficult
for people in the past, during monsoons.
mystifying:
strange or 
impossible to 
explain
spectacle: an 
unusual sight 
that attracts 
interest
exotic:
uncommon
botanical:
relating to 
plants
feats: tasks 
difficult to
achieve, 
especially those
involving a lot 
of skill
indigenous:
native
tangible:
noticeable
Unit 3.indd   138 13-05-2025   12:58:40
Mystery and Magic
139
futile: useless
intertwined:
twisted together
persist: 
continue to 
exist
whopping:
huge
nestled:
situated in a 
half-hidden 
or sheltered 
position
colossal:
extremely large
cradles: holds
rugged: rough
terrestrial: on 
or related to 
earth
allure:
attraction
Attempts to use bamboo or wooden bridges across these 
waterways provedfutile as these bridges could not last long 
in the heavy rains and strong waters. Living root bridges
are an innovative and indigenous solution to solve this 
age-old problem.
They are made ofintertwined roots which are a sort of magic, 
but they aren’t imaginary. These bridges have been built for
centuries by the indigenous people of the land. It is a naturally
built ecosystem of local flora. It also symbolises the relationship
and knowledge that the local people have over their region 
and the cultural significance that it holds for them. Under
ideal conditions, a root bridge is thought to be able to persist
for hundreds of years. These bridges frequently rise 50 to 100
feet in the air. The state’s longest living root bridge is said to
be a whopping 175 feet in length. There are approximately
100 or so known living root bridges across different villages.
3. THE LONAR CRATER LAKE, MAHARASHTRA
The Lonar Crater Lake is a
geological wonder, nestled in 
the town of Lonar in Buldhana
district, Maharashtra. It is 
believed to have been formed 
thousands of years ago. This
ancient landform, consisting 
of a giant hole, came into 
existence when a colossal meteorite, blazing at an extremely
high speed, crashed into the Earth, leaving behind a stunning
mark. It is the only crater in India formed in basaltic rock by
a meteorite impact and ranks as the third largest in the world, 
placing it among the top five largest craters globally.
The crater’s perfectly circular depression cradles a unique 
saline lake at its core, creating a striking visual contrast 
against the surrounding rugged terrain. This site is a rare and
extraordinary blend of celestial impact and terrestrial beauty.
The rim of the meteor crater offers a breath-taking spectacle
of nature’s power and the enduring allure of our planet’s
ancient past.
Unit 3.indd   139 13-05-2025   12:58:41
Page 4


SPECTACULAR WONDERS
Let us do these activities before we read.
	 I	 Look at the pictures given below and sort them into natural and
man-made wonders.
1.
5.
2.
6.
3.
7.
4.
8.
  Natural: ______
,
______
,
______
,
 and ______
  Man-made: ______
,
______
,
______
,
 and ______
II Which of these wonders—man-made or natural—are more appealing 
and why? Share your answers with your classmates and teacher.
III Work in pairs. Write down two wonders of nature that have amazed 
you. Discuss what makes them impressive. Share your answers with
your classmates and teacher.
	 IV	 Work in groups of four. Complete the web chart given below with words
that you associate with the phrase, ‘Nature’s Power’. Share your answers
with your classmates and teacher.
Nature’s Power
Unit 3.indd   137 13-05-2025   12:58:38
Poorvi
138
Let us read
India is home to some of the most mystifying natural 
phenomena that surprise and spark our imagination. 
1. THE VALLEY OF FLOWERS, UTTARAKHAND
The Valley of Flowers is an eye-
catching spectacle with around 
600 species of exotic flowers,
including orchids, poppies, 
primulas, marigold, daisies, and 
anemones. It is a place where 
nature blooms in its full glory
offering an attractive view.
The trek to the valley offers spectacular views of beautiful
waterfalls and wild streams. The valley is also home to rare
wildlife species like the grey langur, flying squirrel, red fox,
lime butterfly, and snow leopard, to name a few.
With a stunning backdrop of the mighty Himalayan ranges,
the Valley of Flowers National Park presents an unforgettable
experience for visitors. Spread over a huge area in the Chamoli
district, the Valley of Flowers National Park is a UNESCO World
Heritage Site. Between the months of May and October, this
area turns into a botanical wonderland!
2. THE LIVING ROOT BRIDGES, MEGHALAYA
Imagine building a bridge 
without the use of cement, 
stones, concrete, etc. Is it 
possible? The living root
bridges are incredible feats 
of engineering built by
the indigenous people of 
Meghalaya. The living root
bridges are one of Meghalaya’s most beautiful tangible 
UNESCO world heritage sites.
Crossing the many waterways without bridges was difficult
for people in the past, during monsoons.
mystifying:
strange or 
impossible to 
explain
spectacle: an 
unusual sight 
that attracts 
interest
exotic:
uncommon
botanical:
relating to 
plants
feats: tasks 
difficult to
achieve, 
especially those
involving a lot 
of skill
indigenous:
native
tangible:
noticeable
Unit 3.indd   138 13-05-2025   12:58:40
Mystery and Magic
139
futile: useless
intertwined:
twisted together
persist: 
continue to 
exist
whopping:
huge
nestled:
situated in a 
half-hidden 
or sheltered 
position
colossal:
extremely large
cradles: holds
rugged: rough
terrestrial: on 
or related to 
earth
allure:
attraction
Attempts to use bamboo or wooden bridges across these 
waterways provedfutile as these bridges could not last long 
in the heavy rains and strong waters. Living root bridges
are an innovative and indigenous solution to solve this 
age-old problem.
They are made ofintertwined roots which are a sort of magic, 
but they aren’t imaginary. These bridges have been built for
centuries by the indigenous people of the land. It is a naturally
built ecosystem of local flora. It also symbolises the relationship
and knowledge that the local people have over their region 
and the cultural significance that it holds for them. Under
ideal conditions, a root bridge is thought to be able to persist
for hundreds of years. These bridges frequently rise 50 to 100
feet in the air. The state’s longest living root bridge is said to
be a whopping 175 feet in length. There are approximately
100 or so known living root bridges across different villages.
3. THE LONAR CRATER LAKE, MAHARASHTRA
The Lonar Crater Lake is a
geological wonder, nestled in 
the town of Lonar in Buldhana
district, Maharashtra. It is 
believed to have been formed 
thousands of years ago. This
ancient landform, consisting 
of a giant hole, came into 
existence when a colossal meteorite, blazing at an extremely
high speed, crashed into the Earth, leaving behind a stunning
mark. It is the only crater in India formed in basaltic rock by
a meteorite impact and ranks as the third largest in the world, 
placing it among the top five largest craters globally.
The crater’s perfectly circular depression cradles a unique 
saline lake at its core, creating a striking visual contrast 
against the surrounding rugged terrain. This site is a rare and
extraordinary blend of celestial impact and terrestrial beauty.
The rim of the meteor crater offers a breath-taking spectacle
of nature’s power and the enduring allure of our planet’s
ancient past.
Unit 3.indd   139 13-05-2025   12:58:41
Poorvi
140
4. MAGNETIC HILLS IN LEH DISTRICT, LADAKH
In the travels around 
Leh-Ladakh, is a fascinating
sight which arouses curiosity
to no end—the Magnetic Hill,
a place where gravity takes a
backseat!
Lying at a distance of around
30 km from Leh, the Magnetic
Hill is marked by a yellow signboard which reads ‘The
Phenomenon That Defies Gravity’. It also instructs visitors to
park vehicles in the box marked with a white point on the road, 
which is known as the Magnetic Road. When the vehicles are
parked at the indicated spot, they begin moving forward at a
speed of almost 20km/h. This unusual place creates an optical 
illusion where vehicles appear to roll uphill, a sight that has 
left tourists in disbelief for years, caused by the peculiar
alignment of surrounding slopes and the horizon line.
5. GLOWING WATERS OF KERALA
Situated 15 kms from Kerala’s
Kochi town, Kumbalangi 
is a beautiful village with 
vast green vegetation. 
In the serene backwaters of 
Kumbalangi village, one can 
see magically glowing waters
in the night.  
This phenomenon is calledbioluminescence, and is caused 
by a high concentration of micro-planktons in the sea, which
are small organisms found in marine and freshwater. This
beautiful sight has captured the attention of locals as well 
as tourists, making Kumbalangi an eco-tourism village in 
India. One can experience the village life in all its beauty and
simplicity, andacquaint oneself to their cuisine and culture. 
optical 
illusion:
something that 
tricks your eyes
and makes you
see it differently
from how it 
really is
serene: calm
backwaters: a 
part of a river 
where the water 
does not flow
biolumine-
scence: light 
produced inside 
the body of a
living organism 
by a chemical
reaction
eco-tourism:
tourism that 
is responsible 
towards 
preserving the 
environment
acquaint: to 
become familiar 
with something
Unit 3.indd   140 13-05-2025   12:58:42
Page 5


SPECTACULAR WONDERS
Let us do these activities before we read.
	 I	 Look at the pictures given below and sort them into natural and
man-made wonders.
1.
5.
2.
6.
3.
7.
4.
8.
  Natural: ______
,
______
,
______
,
 and ______
  Man-made: ______
,
______
,
______
,
 and ______
II Which of these wonders—man-made or natural—are more appealing 
and why? Share your answers with your classmates and teacher.
III Work in pairs. Write down two wonders of nature that have amazed 
you. Discuss what makes them impressive. Share your answers with
your classmates and teacher.
	 IV	 Work in groups of four. Complete the web chart given below with words
that you associate with the phrase, ‘Nature’s Power’. Share your answers
with your classmates and teacher.
Nature’s Power
Unit 3.indd   137 13-05-2025   12:58:38
Poorvi
138
Let us read
India is home to some of the most mystifying natural 
phenomena that surprise and spark our imagination. 
1. THE VALLEY OF FLOWERS, UTTARAKHAND
The Valley of Flowers is an eye-
catching spectacle with around 
600 species of exotic flowers,
including orchids, poppies, 
primulas, marigold, daisies, and 
anemones. It is a place where 
nature blooms in its full glory
offering an attractive view.
The trek to the valley offers spectacular views of beautiful
waterfalls and wild streams. The valley is also home to rare
wildlife species like the grey langur, flying squirrel, red fox,
lime butterfly, and snow leopard, to name a few.
With a stunning backdrop of the mighty Himalayan ranges,
the Valley of Flowers National Park presents an unforgettable
experience for visitors. Spread over a huge area in the Chamoli
district, the Valley of Flowers National Park is a UNESCO World
Heritage Site. Between the months of May and October, this
area turns into a botanical wonderland!
2. THE LIVING ROOT BRIDGES, MEGHALAYA
Imagine building a bridge 
without the use of cement, 
stones, concrete, etc. Is it 
possible? The living root
bridges are incredible feats 
of engineering built by
the indigenous people of 
Meghalaya. The living root
bridges are one of Meghalaya’s most beautiful tangible 
UNESCO world heritage sites.
Crossing the many waterways without bridges was difficult
for people in the past, during monsoons.
mystifying:
strange or 
impossible to 
explain
spectacle: an 
unusual sight 
that attracts 
interest
exotic:
uncommon
botanical:
relating to 
plants
feats: tasks 
difficult to
achieve, 
especially those
involving a lot 
of skill
indigenous:
native
tangible:
noticeable
Unit 3.indd   138 13-05-2025   12:58:40
Mystery and Magic
139
futile: useless
intertwined:
twisted together
persist: 
continue to 
exist
whopping:
huge
nestled:
situated in a 
half-hidden 
or sheltered 
position
colossal:
extremely large
cradles: holds
rugged: rough
terrestrial: on 
or related to 
earth
allure:
attraction
Attempts to use bamboo or wooden bridges across these 
waterways provedfutile as these bridges could not last long 
in the heavy rains and strong waters. Living root bridges
are an innovative and indigenous solution to solve this 
age-old problem.
They are made ofintertwined roots which are a sort of magic, 
but they aren’t imaginary. These bridges have been built for
centuries by the indigenous people of the land. It is a naturally
built ecosystem of local flora. It also symbolises the relationship
and knowledge that the local people have over their region 
and the cultural significance that it holds for them. Under
ideal conditions, a root bridge is thought to be able to persist
for hundreds of years. These bridges frequently rise 50 to 100
feet in the air. The state’s longest living root bridge is said to
be a whopping 175 feet in length. There are approximately
100 or so known living root bridges across different villages.
3. THE LONAR CRATER LAKE, MAHARASHTRA
The Lonar Crater Lake is a
geological wonder, nestled in 
the town of Lonar in Buldhana
district, Maharashtra. It is 
believed to have been formed 
thousands of years ago. This
ancient landform, consisting 
of a giant hole, came into 
existence when a colossal meteorite, blazing at an extremely
high speed, crashed into the Earth, leaving behind a stunning
mark. It is the only crater in India formed in basaltic rock by
a meteorite impact and ranks as the third largest in the world, 
placing it among the top five largest craters globally.
The crater’s perfectly circular depression cradles a unique 
saline lake at its core, creating a striking visual contrast 
against the surrounding rugged terrain. This site is a rare and
extraordinary blend of celestial impact and terrestrial beauty.
The rim of the meteor crater offers a breath-taking spectacle
of nature’s power and the enduring allure of our planet’s
ancient past.
Unit 3.indd   139 13-05-2025   12:58:41
Poorvi
140
4. MAGNETIC HILLS IN LEH DISTRICT, LADAKH
In the travels around 
Leh-Ladakh, is a fascinating
sight which arouses curiosity
to no end—the Magnetic Hill,
a place where gravity takes a
backseat!
Lying at a distance of around
30 km from Leh, the Magnetic
Hill is marked by a yellow signboard which reads ‘The
Phenomenon That Defies Gravity’. It also instructs visitors to
park vehicles in the box marked with a white point on the road, 
which is known as the Magnetic Road. When the vehicles are
parked at the indicated spot, they begin moving forward at a
speed of almost 20km/h. This unusual place creates an optical 
illusion where vehicles appear to roll uphill, a sight that has 
left tourists in disbelief for years, caused by the peculiar
alignment of surrounding slopes and the horizon line.
5. GLOWING WATERS OF KERALA
Situated 15 kms from Kerala’s
Kochi town, Kumbalangi 
is a beautiful village with 
vast green vegetation. 
In the serene backwaters of 
Kumbalangi village, one can 
see magically glowing waters
in the night.  
This phenomenon is calledbioluminescence, and is caused 
by a high concentration of micro-planktons in the sea, which
are small organisms found in marine and freshwater. This
beautiful sight has captured the attention of locals as well 
as tourists, making Kumbalangi an eco-tourism village in 
India. One can experience the village life in all its beauty and
simplicity, andacquaint oneself to their cuisine and culture. 
optical 
illusion:
something that 
tricks your eyes
and makes you
see it differently
from how it 
really is
serene: calm
backwaters: a 
part of a river 
where the water 
does not flow
biolumine-
scence: light 
produced inside 
the body of a
living organism 
by a chemical
reaction
eco-tourism:
tourism that 
is responsible 
towards 
preserving the 
environment
acquaint: to 
become familiar 
with something
Unit 3.indd   140 13-05-2025   12:58:42
Mystery and Magic
141
6. THE SUNDARBANS
Can a forest exist in a coastal
zone? Yes, they are called
mangrove forests, where 
trees take root under water in 
the low-oxygen soil. The roots
slow down the movement 
of tidal waters, stabilising 
the coastline and reducing 
erosion. The Sundarbans is one such mangrove forest spread
over 1,400 kms in West Bengal, lying in the delta of rivers, such
as the Ganga, the Brahmaputra, and the Meghna. The name is
derived from sundari trees that are plentiful in the area. 
The area is also populated by an extensive range of flora and
fauna, including many bird species, the majestic Bengal tiger,
and other threatened species, such as the estuarine crocodile 
and the Indian python.		
7. THE INVISIBLE CHANDIPUR BEACH, ODISHA
Have you seen things
disappearing in front of 
your eyes? Well, such things
happen at times, when we 
keep things at some place, 
and just forget where we
have kept them. But, what if 
there’s a sea that disappears?
This happens in Odisha. It is a beach in the Balasore
district where one can witness the sea disappearing 
mysteriously—the Chandipur Beach which is known for its
unique feature of playing hide-and-seek with its visitors.
The sea can actually be witnessed disappearing and
reappearing. This is because the sea water moves. It retreats
by 2–5 km during ebb tide, the duration between the high tide 
and low tide, and comes back to the shore at the time of high 
tide. This unusual natural phenomenon keeps on happening
estuarine:
living in an 
estuary (an
area where 
a freshwater 
river meets the 
ocean)
retreats: goes 
backwards
ebb tide: period 
of time when 
water flows
away from the
shore
Unit 3.indd   141 13-05-2025   12:58:43